Best Movie Director Biographies Books of 2025

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company is a memoir by Robert Iger, the CEO of Disney, who shares the ideas and values he embraced while reinventing one of the world’s most beloved companies. Iger explains how he turned Disney into a stronger brand in international markets by recommitting to the concept that quality matters, embracing technology instead of fighting it, and thinking bigger. He explores the principles that are necessary for true leadership, including optimism, courage, decisiveness, and fairness. This book is a must-read for those interested in leadership and success in the business world.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to foster creativity in business and leadership. As a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Catmull shares his insights into the company's unique environment that has produced some of the most successful films in history. The book provides an inside look into Pixar's meetings, postmortems, and "Braintrust" sessions, revealing the ideals and techniques that have made it so widely admired and profitable. Overall, Creativity, Inc. is an insightful and inspiring read that offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and achieve success.

Whiskey in a Teacup is a delightful lifestyle guide and cookbook that showcases Reese Witherspoon's love for her southern heritage. It's a fun and engaging read that's part etiquette primer, part cookbook and part hot-roller hair tutorial. The book is filled with mouthwatering recipes, tried-and-true style tips, and entertaining expertise, all peppered with tales from her own Nashville upbringing. It's a must-read for anyone who loves southern living and wants to bring a little bit of Reese's world into their home. Overall, Whiskey in a Teacup is a charming and unique book that will leave readers feeling inspired and entertained.

Mad Dreams and Monsters: The Art of Phil Tippett and Tippett Studio is a stunning retrospective of Phil Tippett's unparalleled career in visual effects. The book celebrates Tippett's work from his early Super 8 explorations to his groundbreaking work with Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks, and beyond. The book contains over a thousand behind-the-scenes photographs and never-before-published stories from Tippett himself and other visual effects luminaries. This book is a must-have for movie fans, film students, and anyone who has ever been captivated by movie magic.

Yearbook is a hilarious and insightful memoir by comedian Seth Rogen. The book is a collection of personal essays that cover everything from his grandparents to doing drugs and his adventures in Los Angeles. Rogen's comedic voice shines through in every story, making it a real treat to read. The book has been named one of the best books of the year by NPR, New York Post, Marie Claire, Self, and BookRiot. Overall, Yearbook is a must-read for fans of Rogen's work, as well as anyone looking for a good laugh and a glimpse into the life of a successful comedian.

The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family is a captivating and heartwarming book that offers a unique perspective on growing up in the entertainment industry. Written by award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and his brother, actor Clint Howard, The Boys delves deep into their childhood experiences and family dynamics, providing readers with an honest and fascinating look behind the scenes of some of the most beloved TV shows of the '60s and '70s. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in Hollywood history and the challenges of navigating fame and family in the entertainment industry.

Higher Is Waiting is an inspiring book by Tyler Perry that shares his experiences and the lessons he learned from them. Perry talks about his childhood in New Orleans, the people who taught him important values, and his journey to find faith and inner strength. The book is a spiritual guide that encourages readers to aim higher and live a more fulfilling life. Perry's writing is sincere, heartfelt, and generous, and his insights into scripture and life are valuable. Higher Is Waiting is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their spiritual journey.

The "Walt Disney: An American Original: Commemorative Edition" is a biography that tells the inspiring story of Walt Disney's life and his massive contribution to American culture. The book is written by respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas, who produced a definitive biography of the man behind the legend of Disney. It includes a collection of rare photographs, new introductions, and endnotes that connect Walt's story to today. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn about the man who developed animated film into an art form and created an international entertainment empire that has enchanted generations.

All About Me! is a fascinating autobiography by the legendary Mel Brooks. The book details his life from a Depression-era kid in Brooklyn to the recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Brooks shares never-before-told, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and remembrances from his iconic career, which includes The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein. The book is infused with nostalgia and signature hilarity, making it a must-read for anyone who loves American comedy. Overall, All About Me! is a wonderful addition to a seminal career and a great insight into the inspiration behind the ideas for his outstanding collection of boundary-breaking work.

SPIKE is a comprehensive monograph that celebrates the life and work of acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. With over 35 films, including the iconic Do the Right Thing and Oscar-winning BlacKkKlansman, Lee has made a significant impact on both cinematic history and contemporary society. Featuring never-before-seen photographs by David Lee, this book provides a behind-the-scenes look at Lee's creative process and cultural impact. The bold and beautiful design, inspired by Radio Raheem's LOVE/HATE brass rings, makes it a must-have collector's item and ideal gift for any cinephile and fan of one of the most prominent and influential filmmakers in history.